2023 Coulter Media Award winners announced

Harness Racing Australia (HRA) are thrilled to announce the 2023 Joseph Coulter Media Award winners.

HRA congratulates this year’s winners of the awards and are appreciative of those who nominated.

Joseph Coulter Best News Story of the Year

‘Richard knew’: Wave of emotion builds from owner’s dying wish

Written by Chris Roots and published in The Sydney Morning Herald on September 2, 2023.

Chris covers the story of Catch A Wave, the late Richard Mathews and Andy Gath.

Graham Goffin Memorial Award - Best Feature Article

Down Under’s ‘Mr. Harness Racing’ aims for third Inter Dominion in December 

Written by Adam Hamilton for the ‘Harness Racing Update’ on November 19, 2023.

Adam features the story of Mick Boots and his involvement in Harness Racing.

Graham Goffin Memorial Award  – Best Regional Story

Marathon journey to a sweet first win 

Written by Terry Gange and published Harnesslink, October 4, 2023

Terry details the story of Jamie Egans first win and his running days with late son Jason.

Graham Goffin Memorial Award – Best Historical Feature

Harness Racing – Always A Highlight at the Royal Melbourne Show 

Written by John Peck and released to the public in December 2023 on the Melbourne Royal Virtual Museum website.

The book, wholly researched and created by John, outlines the history of Harness Racing at the Royal Melbourne Show.

Best Published Action or Still Photograph

Close Finish

Taken by Jessica Watkins on November 4, 2023.

The photo captures 5 horses spread across the track at the finish line, all with their lead leg off the ground.

Best Radio/Podcast Feature to Air

Mobile Rolling – Lead up to the 2023 Pacing & Trotting Grand Finals 

Chris Barsby led Mobile rolling podcast from December 13, 2023.

The radio show included feature interviews with Kerryn Manning, Chris Alford and Matt Elkins, all in the lead up to the 2023 Inter Dominion Grand Finals.

Best Feature Television/Video Film to Air

Just Believe in the Elitloppet – Episode 7 – Raceday at the Elitloppet 

Ryan Phelan for Sky Channel and Harness Racing Victoria, airing on Sky Racing ‘On The Pace’ program, and Harness Racing Victoria’s trots.com.au in May, 2023.

The series followed Just Believes tilt at The Elitloppet in Sweden, with episode 7 documenting the agony and the ecstasy of the sport of Harness Racing.

Award of Merit For Demonstrated Excellence in Promotion

Harness Racing NSW – Carnival Of Cups 

Launched in 2023, the Harness Racing NSW Carnival of Cups promotion included some of Australia’s most prominent bands and performers signed to provide entertainment during and after race meetings.

Award of Merit For Demonstrated Excellence in Social Media Usage & Innovation

“THIS IS GONNA BE THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!”

Tim O’Connor and Lachlan Mitchell for Harness Racing Victoria social media on 20 October 2023.

The teams social media video of Pony Trots Victoria participants find out they’re off to represent their state at the Inter Dominion carnival in Queensland.

by Toby McKinnon for Harness Racing Australia